Research Scientist Graduate (Compute Platform - Database Acceleration)- 2026 Start (PhD)

Team Introduction: The Data Platform team works on challenges in big data infrastructure and data products. Our team focuses on internal tools relating to OLAP DBMS, logging and data ingestion infrastructure, A/B testing for all product and feature launches, workflow management, distributed cache, data visualization tools, and big data engineering, which supports TikTok s business products.

Data-Data Platform-Compute Platform - DB Boost team focuses on building the next generation DBMS kernel aiming for the best-in-class query latency and hardware utilization. The team operates the distributed OLAP infrastructure powering cloud native data warehouse, which is the foundation behind data-driven decision-making within TikTok.

We are looking for talented individuals to join our team in 2026. As a graduate, you will get unparalleled opportunities for you to kickstart your career, pursue bold ideas and explore limitless growth opportunities. Co-create a future driven by your inspiration with TikTok.

We will prioritize candidates who are able to commit to these start dates. Please state your availability and graduation date clearly in your resume.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. We encourage you to apply early.

Candidates can apply for a maximum of TWO positions and will be considered for jobs in the order you applied for. The application limit is applicable to TikTok and its affiliates jobs globally.

Successful candidates must be able to commit to an onboarding date by end of year 2026. Please state your availability and graduation date clearly in your resume. Candidates can apply to a maximum of two positions and will be considered for jobs in the order you apply. The application limit is applicable to TikTok and its affiliates jobs globally. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis - we encourage you to apply early.

Online Assessment Candidates who pass resume evaluation will be invited to participate in TikTok s technical online assessment in HackerRank.

Responsibilities:

• Design and develop kernel modules or core features for cloud-native distributed analytical database systems
• Conduct research for cutting-edge technology evolvement in database and data management area and identify the potential future directions
• Solve unique and complex problems on large-scale, high-performance cloud infrastructure
• Partner with different teams on building backend support for cloud native database service Minimum Qualifications
• Individuals who are completing or have recently completed a PhD degree in Software Development, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• Experience with at least one system programming language: C++, Rust etc.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Research or deep working experience in OLAP databases and data management systems is preferred, including but not limited to database kernel, query processing, query optimization, storage system, hardware acceleration, cloud native infrastructure, etc.
• Experience with open-source and industry databases and data management systems like Velox, DataFusion, DuckDB, Polars, Clickhouse, Spark, Presto etc is a plus
• Passionate & experienced for contributing to open source communities
• High levels of creativity and quick problem-solving capabilities

As a condition of employment, all successful candidates must be able to establish authorization to work in the United States. For this position, the Company does not provide sponsorship or any immigration-related benefits.